Some people claim that convenience foods will become more common and end up to alternate conventional foods and ordinary cooking style in the future. Although I admit the advantages of convenience foods, I strongly disagree they can completely replace the traditional culinary.
Undeniably, processed meals are more and more prevalent in modern life. Most people nowadays are too busy with their schedule of studying and working to prepare meals. Therefore, ready-to-eat ones seems to be ideal options, which is time and effort-saving. A processed noodle or rice package from supermarkets, for instance, takes just five minutes in the microwave to be ready. Furthermore, the development of convenience food industry also serves a wide range of products with affordable price for costumers. For those perspectives, some people believe that convenience foods will soon take over traditional ones.
Nevertheless, traditional foods and cooking style’s advantages could make them hardly to be replaced. Firstly, they have been contributing to culinary identity. Banh Chung in Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival or Roasted chicken in Thanksgiving Day is an irreplaceable signature of the events. Secondly, convenience foods contain various preserve agents and unhealthy sugar, salt or cholesterol, while traditional foods are normally made with fresh ingredients. Long-term consuming fast foods may cause numerous illnesses related to obesity, gout, diabetes or vascular diseases. In addition, gathering to prepare and enjoy meals can strengthen family bonds, which cannot be served by convenience foods. Last but not least, some people also consider cooking as a leisure hobby to relax after a hectic timetable.
In conclusion, convenience and traditional foods can co-exist side by side without replace each other because of their own benefits and drawbacks. Despite the popularity of processed foods, they cannot fully replace traditional foods, which brings numerous values for society regarding public’s health, culture, families and individuals significance.
